Police, NGOs partner to combat hate speech, fake news in Kano

The Police Command in Kano State has partnered with some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to organise a Youths Peace Summit aimed at combating hate speech and fake news.

The summit tagged 2.0, with the theme ‘Promoting Peace by Combating Hate Speech and Fake News’, brought together security agencies, youth groups, civil society organisations, NGOs and media practitioners to promote peaceful coexistence and responsible information sharing.

The NGOs included: Youths Society for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Social Vices (YOSPIS) and the Aminu Magashi Garba (AMG) Foundation.

Speaking at the event on Tuesday in Kano, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Ibrahim Adamu-Bakori, said the summit was organised in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to develop effective strategies for tackling social biases and other vices.

He expressed concern over the rising cases of hate speech and fake news, describing them as serious threats to peace, social harmony and socio-economic development in the state.

The police commissioner warned that individuals found promoting hate speech or spreading fake news would be made to face the full weight of the law.

He said the command remained committed to maintaining law and order and would take decisive action against anyone spreading misinformation that could incite violence.

He called on stakeholders, including social media users, influencers, journalists, and community leaders, to collaborate with the police to promote peace and stability.

Earlier, Chairman of AMG Foundation, Dr Aminu Magashi, said the organisation would intensify collaboration with the police and youth groups ahead of the 2027 General Elections to curb misinformation.

He said that political activities often heightened tension and misinformation, noting that young people were usually the most affected.

Also speaking is the Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Community Policing, Amb. Maimuna Umar stressed the importance of community participation in ensuring security.

While commending Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf for supporting security agencies and promoting collaboration among stakeholders, she urged youths and social media users to promote responsible online behaviours.

The Executive Director of YOSPIS, Ms Zainab Nasir-Ahmad, emphasised that combating fake news and hate speech is a collective responsibility requiring collaboration among security agencies, media organisations, civil society groups, and the public.

Vanguard News

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